2017 saw some moments of huge significance in Africa. In The Gambia, Zimbabwe and Angola, leaders whose combined years in office amounted to nearly a century finally left power. In Kenya and Liberia, the courts demonstrated remarkable judicial independence around elections. And in countries from Togo to Cameroon to Eritrea – to name a few – citizens demanded change as governments discovered new ways to refuse it and maintain control.

2018 is likely to contain similar pivotal moments. Elections – which have become all the more unpredictable in Africa recently – are due to be held in Sierra Leone, Mali, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and DR Congo. Economically, growth on the continent is expected to reach 3.5% and plans to boost intra-African trade should continue, but progress could be undermined by instability, environmental shocks and fluctuating commodity prices. Conflicts in the CAR, South Sudan and the Sahel stretch on.

Meanwhile, Africa’s young population continues to assert itself not just politically and economically, but culturally. The unpacking and redressing of historical and contemporary violence continues, across film, art, literature and music, where there is an increasing drive amongst the continent’s youth to see their own lives and experiences reflected. This creative energy is, in turn, impacting global culture, where Africans and diasporans are mapping out the kind of continent they envisage for the future.

Join us for the Royal African Society’s flagship events in London and Edinburgh, delivered in partnership with the British Council, to discuss and debate what 2018 holds in store for the continent.

About the Royal African Society

The Royal African Society is Britain's prime Africa organisation. Now more than 100 years old, its in-depth, long-term knowledge of the continent and its peoples makes the Society the first stop for anyone wishing to know more.

We foster a better understanding of Africa in the UK and throughout the world - its history, politics, culture, problems and potential.

We disseminate knowledge and insight to make a positive difference to Africa's development. We celebrate the diversity and depth of African culture.